Travel documents

Wilder & Davis will be happy to provide any musician or ensemble who requests it with a document that lists all the natural materials found in their instrument and bow.

CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an agreement that aims to ensure that international trade in species of wild animals and plants does not harm their conservation. So, while some wildlife is legal to trade, many others require a permit to cross the border. More than 5000 species of animals, subspecies and their populations and more than 29,000 species of plants, subspecies and their populations are listed under CITES.

Document relating to natural materials found in instruments and bows

Ivory, tortoiseshell, whale bone, mother-of-pearl, rosewood and pernambuco wood, which are used in the manufacture of bows and instruments, are on the lists of targeted species. Although musicians generally cross borders without problems, given the age of their instrument and bow and the minimal amount involved, we recommend that they travel with a " material  identification" document that lists all the natural materials found in their instrument and bow, including species (scientific names) and their CITES status. if applicable. Such a document shows the musician's goodwill and speeds up the work of customs officers assigned to enforce CITES regulations. With reasonable notice, Wilder & Davis will be happy to provide any musician or ensemble who requests it prior to travel with the relevant document.